Spirit of Scotland | 10 Day Self-Drive

1 - Loch Lomond & the Trossachs

Depart from Glasgow Airport and begin the drive to Oban. On your way, drive through Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. As you enjoy the breathtaking scenery, find a spot to stop and explore. Sit by the water and have some lunch as you admire the snow-capped mountains in the distance. After lunch, if you’re feeling up to it, take one of the many walking paths and maybe you’ll come across a beautiful waterfall! Later, get back to your car and continue on to Oban. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and settle in for the night.

Day 2 - Isle of Mull Day

Take a ferry ride from Oban to the Isle of Mull, which is one of the most beautiful of the Hebrides. After a scenic drive across the mountains of Mull take another short ferry ride to the peaceful Isle of Iona, the burial place of many Scottish kings. Visit Iona Abbey, where St. Columba founded Scotland’s first Christian settlement in the 6th century. Then enjoy some free time exploring anywhere else you wish to see before returning to Oban for another night.

Day 3 -Fort William

Drive north, enjoying the seaboard views all the way to Fort William. This is the ‘outdoor capital’ of the UK. Choose between activities such as fishing, enjoying a quiet country walk, or if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, skiing down some beautiful slopes is another option. Later in the day, visit the town’s Ben Nevis Distillery and Visitor Center. Here you’ll discover some secrets of distilling whisky. You’ll also enjoy the unique sensation of the Dew of Ben Nevis.

Day 4 - Isle of Skye

Get an early start this morning and take the main road north through the Great Glen, admiring the views of Ben Nevis just beyond Fort William. At Invergarry swing west for the journey among the magnificent mountains of Glen Shiel. Look out for the famous views of Eilean Donan Castle before reaching Kyle of Lochalsh and the Skye Bridge. Continue on until you reach the town of Portree where you will be spending the night. Portree is the largest town on the Isle of Skye and also the cultural hub of the area. Check into your hotel and then begin exploring. Take a short drive to Dunvegan Castle, stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. View priceless family heirlooms and stroll through formal gardens. 

Day 5 - Talisker Distillery

The Talisker Distillery on the shore of Loch Harport is close by the little road that leads to Glenbrittle and offers some of Scotland’s best mountain views. After the distillery visit retrace the route back to the Skye Bridge and head eastwards for Inverness. Any way you go, you will come across some superb scenery. After the long drive to Inverness, stop and check in at your hotel. Relax for a little while and then make your way to Urquhart Castle. Situated on the bank of Loch Ness, this castle has seen more than 1,000 years of history and offers a look at medieval life in the Highlands. Tour its grounds and discover its heritage. You can also take a boat cruise and search for Nessie, Scotland’s elusive sea monster.

Day 6 - Victorian Market & Inverness Castle

Spend the day exploring all that Inverness has to offer. Explore the Victorian Market which offers a wide variety of shops, perfect for anyone looking for some retail therapy. Wander through the city center and admire some art exhibitions located in the city’s many galleries. Stroll along the banks of the River Ness and enjoy lunch with a view. End the day with a visit to both Inverness Castle and St. Andrew’s Cathedral. In the evening return to your hotel.

Day 7 -Pitlochry & Blair Athol

After a traditional Scottish breakfast, make your way to Pitlochry. After dropping your belongings off at your hotel, visit Blair Castle & Gardens. This is the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl, as well as home to Europe’s last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders. Tour its halls and grounds and discover its role in the lives of Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Day 8 -Edinburgh Castle & Calton Hill

Get an early start for an exciting day of exploring Scotland’s capital. After breakfast, take a lovely stroll around Old Town and explore the sights of the Royal Mile. Visit Edinburgh Castle for a majestic tour like no other. There, you’ll feast your eyes on Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny. This “must-see” Scottish experience will leave you feeling like a royal and a historian all at once. Climb Calton Hill for a gorgeous view of the city and Greater Edinburgh. Tour Rosslyn Chapel and explore its medieval history and architecture.

Day 9 - Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle

Drive towards the historic border town of Berwick-on-Tweed following the sweeping coastline of the North Sea and cross the ancient Scotland/England border into Northumberland. Lindisfarne or Holy Island is a tidal island settled by Irish monks from Scotland circa AD 635. From here the Christian message spread throughout the north of England. In 793 a fierce Viking invasion heralded the beginning of the Viking Age. After a short drive, arrive at Alnwick Castle at lunchtime. This magical place is one of Europe’s finest castles and has been at the centre of many historical events – from bloodthirsty battles between the Scots and the English to the intrigues of the Guy Fawkes plot. Its sumptuous setting has famously been used as film locations for 'Harry Potter' (Hogwarts) and 'Robin Hood Prince of Thieves'. Return to Edinburgh through the charming and historic village of Etal.

Day 10 - Return Home